El Paso to Atlanta - I'm in the back end of the plane - as you know that's not my favorite place. But I'm next to Joe - who is a ladder designer. I mean come on - how many different ways can you design a ladder? But, he has a job and was traveling home from visiting the plant in Juarez, Mexico where a new ladder was being produced. Joe says they make about 16,000 ladders a day (I think I have that right) - un believeable! Where do they all go? The ladders we have we've had for a long time and I really don't see needing to ever replace them. Not a lot of parts that can break. hmmmm????
We also talked about Juarez, where Joe had just been. It's the number 1 crime spot in the world - right across the Rio Grande is El Paso - one of the top 3 safest cities in the US. How can this be? Joe said he did not feel safe in Mexico and couldn't wait to get out.
It is a small world. Last night I went on a drive with a friend, Jean, from El Paso - and she drove us up a mountain to see the view of Juarez. It's remarkable. You can see the whole city for miles and miles - lights shining. It's beautiful if you don't think about the crime happening.
Well Joe - I hope the rest of your trip home was safe.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
L.E. A "Tweet" Seatmate
As I go to sit in 9C - my seatmate is texting on her phone (that's the communication vehicle of the early 21st century! - I think I should start a new book to chronicle just the communication tools as I fly)
She looks up and comments - "I just had to tweet that - did you hear what they said? 'Rows 1 and higher you can now board' - why not - 'All rows' - it's not like there are negative seats - or maybe it's for the folks out on the wing or in the baggage compartment?"
From the start I like the way L.E. thinks.....out of the box!
Not being a twitter fan myself since my son refers to it as 'stalker' - I really have not explored it much and wonder how folks use it. So for L.E. (yes that's her name now - it's really something much longer and hard to pronounce as it's portugese and they blend the L and R sound somehow) - anyways - for L.E. she tweets things she finds funny in life - sometimes expanding and integrating her own thoughts to add that twist.
We're both on our way home - I'm tired after 2 full days training - so we both escape to the Jet Blue TVs - HGTV catches both of our attention first. Followed by Top Chef on Bravo.
Life is good - especially when we land at 7:15 instead of 7:40!!
She looks up and comments - "I just had to tweet that - did you hear what they said? 'Rows 1 and higher you can now board' - why not - 'All rows' - it's not like there are negative seats - or maybe it's for the folks out on the wing or in the baggage compartment?"
From the start I like the way L.E. thinks.....out of the box!
Not being a twitter fan myself since my son refers to it as 'stalker' - I really have not explored it much and wonder how folks use it. So for L.E. (yes that's her name now - it's really something much longer and hard to pronounce as it's portugese and they blend the L and R sound somehow) - anyways - for L.E. she tweets things she finds funny in life - sometimes expanding and integrating her own thoughts to add that twist.
We're both on our way home - I'm tired after 2 full days training - so we both escape to the Jet Blue TVs - HGTV catches both of our attention first. Followed by Top Chef on Bravo.
Life is good - especially when we land at 7:15 instead of 7:40!!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
My First Soldier as a Seatmate!
My trip to New Mexico was short - got in late Thursday night, meetings all day Friday, then dinner and meetings again Saturday morning - then flying back home. Needless to say, I'm tired - but that feeling is quickly pushed aside when I sit down next to Foresha.
Foresha had just finished two weeks of training for the army - she can't wait to get home - to see her mom and 2 cats. What a treat for me to have her as my seatmate from Chicago to Rochester.
To start - she taught me more about the structure of the army than I remember learning - from Battalions, to Brigades to Units (did I get that right?). She's at the Battalion level - part of the logistics - for units across the country. I learned some more about how the reserves work - and I give her a lot of credit - she's finishing her RN degree, working part time and serving as a reserve. (I guess I won't complain for awhile about having too busy a schedule)
What struck me the most about Foresha was her insights and outlook of life. She inlisted in the army at her choice - hoping for a better life - and has no regrets. The army taught her a lot and gave her some confidence and guidance to grow and be whatever she wants. After she finishes her RN degree at Nazareth she plans on going on for her PhD in mental health. (again - small world - my son and I went to St John Fisher and I also taught as an adjunct at Nazareth) I know she'll go far and I hope to be there beside her as her friend.
She reflected back on the choices she's made and looking at some of her friends who are "on the street", overweight and no real ambitions - she should be very proud of her accomplishments.
I'm honored to have met Foresha. Can't wait to meet her mom.
Foresha had just finished two weeks of training for the army - she can't wait to get home - to see her mom and 2 cats. What a treat for me to have her as my seatmate from Chicago to Rochester.
To start - she taught me more about the structure of the army than I remember learning - from Battalions, to Brigades to Units (did I get that right?). She's at the Battalion level - part of the logistics - for units across the country. I learned some more about how the reserves work - and I give her a lot of credit - she's finishing her RN degree, working part time and serving as a reserve. (I guess I won't complain for awhile about having too busy a schedule)
What struck me the most about Foresha was her insights and outlook of life. She inlisted in the army at her choice - hoping for a better life - and has no regrets. The army taught her a lot and gave her some confidence and guidance to grow and be whatever she wants. After she finishes her RN degree at Nazareth she plans on going on for her PhD in mental health. (again - small world - my son and I went to St John Fisher and I also taught as an adjunct at Nazareth) I know she'll go far and I hope to be there beside her as her friend.
She reflected back on the choices she's made and looking at some of her friends who are "on the street", overweight and no real ambitions - she should be very proud of her accomplishments.
I'm honored to have met Foresha. Can't wait to meet her mom.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Seat in the Middle
The dreaded middle seat.... 11E.
On my left, in the window seat is a lady flying from Albuquerque to Chicago to visit her daughter. We did have too much of a conversation - but she is originally from Buffalo, lived for a bit in Philadelphia and a few otehr spots before Rio Rancho (the expanding suburb of Albuquerque).
On my left, a guy from Taos, NM - heading home to his mom in New Jersey for her 70th birthday. How wonderful - I know she will be delighted to see him. They are then going to head to Maryland to see his sister and her dogs.
I did not get either of the names here - so let's call them Jim and Carol.
Jim has been outwest since he was 18 - living several places in Colorado - always near skiing or golfing. In Toas now he does the irrigation for a golf course. For me - he sounds like someone who has a great life - enjoying the pleasures that his workplace can provide outside of his working hours. He also told me of a small town in Colorado he lived in a few years back - population 50. Yes fifty. I guess I can't imagine a town so small - he said it was great.
Carol got in on the conversation - as we discussed some history in Philadelphia. The historic streets there really had madse an impression on me a few years back. Jim mentioned he thought some place in NY had the oldest street in the US - (just did a quick google search and there's a toss-up between Huguenot St in New Paltz NY, Elfreth's Alley in Philly, or Leyden Steet in Plymouth - depends on the criteria you use.
Hope "Carol" and "Jim" enjoy their visits!
On my left, in the window seat is a lady flying from Albuquerque to Chicago to visit her daughter. We did have too much of a conversation - but she is originally from Buffalo, lived for a bit in Philadelphia and a few otehr spots before Rio Rancho (the expanding suburb of Albuquerque).
On my left, a guy from Taos, NM - heading home to his mom in New Jersey for her 70th birthday. How wonderful - I know she will be delighted to see him. They are then going to head to Maryland to see his sister and her dogs.
I did not get either of the names here - so let's call them Jim and Carol.
Jim has been outwest since he was 18 - living several places in Colorado - always near skiing or golfing. In Toas now he does the irrigation for a golf course. For me - he sounds like someone who has a great life - enjoying the pleasures that his workplace can provide outside of his working hours. He also told me of a small town in Colorado he lived in a few years back - population 50. Yes fifty. I guess I can't imagine a town so small - he said it was great.
Carol got in on the conversation - as we discussed some history in Philadelphia. The historic streets there really had madse an impression on me a few years back. Jim mentioned he thought some place in NY had the oldest street in the US - (just did a quick google search and there's a toss-up between Huguenot St in New Paltz NY, Elfreth's Alley in Philly, or Leyden Steet in Plymouth - depends on the criteria you use.
Hope "Carol" and "Jim" enjoy their visits!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Update on Jake
As I was cleaning up emails yesterday, I came across one from Jake - remember him? The one auditioning at the Eastman School of Music. Si I sent him a quick email to catch up and here's where he's at - amazing.
He is spending some time right now working with his sister in Guatemala researching water filters to clean up contaminated water. In the fall he's headed to Wisconsin to study math, Chinese and as he said - of course classical trumpet. Music is his passion I know - and I wish him success!
Here's to you Jake!
He is spending some time right now working with his sister in Guatemala researching water filters to clean up contaminated water. In the fall he's headed to Wisconsin to study math, Chinese and as he said - of course classical trumpet. Music is his passion I know - and I wish him success!
Here's to you Jake!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Mike - Seat 18F
I think I've mentioned before I hate the back of a plane. Sometimes it's your only option when the flights are full. Lucky for me this time I had a nice seatmate - Mike - he helped me to forget I was in the back of the plane.
Mike has been spending the last 3 months flying back and forth from Rochester (home) to someplace (oops I forget where) as he trained for a new job. Some flights have been fine - others cancelled and I beleive he said 2 or 3 times had to take a bus from Chicago to his final destination due to weather.
The training has been a gruelling experience. Long days, long nights studying and preparing for the next day. But he's ready now - the training is behind him and he can't wait to start. Good Luck Mike!
Mike has been spending the last 3 months flying back and forth from Rochester (home) to someplace (oops I forget where) as he trained for a new job. Some flights have been fine - others cancelled and I beleive he said 2 or 3 times had to take a bus from Chicago to his final destination due to weather.
The training has been a gruelling experience. Long days, long nights studying and preparing for the next day. But he's ready now - the training is behind him and he can't wait to start. Good Luck Mike!
Denise - A Friend and Colleague
Denise and I have spent the last 3 days doing workshops in Indianapolis - and eating coconut almond ice cream - yummy!. We managed to get the same flight home and luckily as we checked in - there was .... yes you guessed it.... a seat be side me for the first flight! While I love meeting new people - it's also nice from time to time to have a friend beside you. Denice and I had worked together at one time and every Christmas season spend a wonderful day shopping. This time we were together as she "filled in" for another instrictor who was sick.
So what do you chat about when you've just spent 3 days together? Not much - we had chatted a lot over the 3 days - so now Denise relaxed and read her book and I worked on some follow-up for my workshops so I'd have the next day open.
One thing we had talked about during a long walk one night was airplane ettiquette. So if you're on a plane right now and reading this - make note....the armrest between you and the seat beside you is not yours to hog! Nor should your seatmate get it. Basically we concluded it belongs to no one - it is merely a divider - like the stick you use in the grocery store to separate your food from the person in front of you. In fact - there may be times you want to put the divider up to give both of you more room. Maybe I will do a chapter or appendix on good ettiquette while flying - any input?
As we landed in Cleveland we both were starved. But - running a bit late too. So after a quick trip to the ladies room, stopped to get a snack. The checkout line was slow - so Denise says she has some snacks in her bag - let's go. They annouce our names right as we're getting to the gate (hadn't realized we were that late) - and as we board the plane Denise has to gatecheck her bag...need I say it's the bag with the snacks! (not that we needed them really)
This next flight we are not together - you'll read about my seatmate in the next chapter. As for Denise - she was stuck next to a guy who had been drinking a bit too much... poor Denise.
So what do you chat about when you've just spent 3 days together? Not much - we had chatted a lot over the 3 days - so now Denise relaxed and read her book and I worked on some follow-up for my workshops so I'd have the next day open.
One thing we had talked about during a long walk one night was airplane ettiquette. So if you're on a plane right now and reading this - make note....the armrest between you and the seat beside you is not yours to hog! Nor should your seatmate get it. Basically we concluded it belongs to no one - it is merely a divider - like the stick you use in the grocery store to separate your food from the person in front of you. In fact - there may be times you want to put the divider up to give both of you more room. Maybe I will do a chapter or appendix on good ettiquette while flying - any input?
As we landed in Cleveland we both were starved. But - running a bit late too. So after a quick trip to the ladies room, stopped to get a snack. The checkout line was slow - so Denise says she has some snacks in her bag - let's go. They annouce our names right as we're getting to the gate (hadn't realized we were that late) - and as we board the plane Denise has to gatecheck her bag...need I say it's the bag with the snacks! (not that we needed them really)
This next flight we are not together - you'll read about my seatmate in the next chapter. As for Denise - she was stuck next to a guy who had been drinking a bit too much... poor Denise.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
A First Timer for Jet Blue
Meet Erin - this is her first time flying Jet Blue - (and for Jet Blue this is their 10th year in business!). Lucky for her she got first class (for those of you that have never flown Jet Blue - there is no separation for first class - basically every seat is like first class, lots of leg space, a personal TV and you still get drinks and snacks!)
Erin is on her way to the finger lakes to visit family. Her sister adopted a baby boy 2 years ago - and she hasn't seen him in awhile.
Okay - I'll admit - I'm writing this weeks later and as I knew would happen - I forget the details of our conversation. I'll have to reconnect - as her sister works at one of the finger lakes wineries that one of my friends is best friends with - it's that small world thing - 3 degrees of separation here.
On my way out of the airport - ironically I pass her sister (holding her adopted son) - and say "you must be Erin's sister" "yes...so you've landed" "yes - I met Erin on the plane - enjoy your weekend!"
Erin is on her way to the finger lakes to visit family. Her sister adopted a baby boy 2 years ago - and she hasn't seen him in awhile.
Okay - I'll admit - I'm writing this weeks later and as I knew would happen - I forget the details of our conversation. I'll have to reconnect - as her sister works at one of the finger lakes wineries that one of my friends is best friends with - it's that small world thing - 3 degrees of separation here.
On my way out of the airport - ironically I pass her sister (holding her adopted son) - and say "you must be Erin's sister" "yes...so you've landed" "yes - I met Erin on the plane - enjoy your weekend!"
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Anthony
This one starts the night before - where I'm at Laguardia - not one of my favorite airports - and run into an old friend from my days in Marketing Communications. Tom is working for a company that has a body monitor for fitness.
Fast forward.... next morning - I'm back on a plane - this time flying my favorite Jet Blue to NYC. Beside me - a young man with a marketing book.
"Marketing - love it! - are you in marketing?" as it turns out Anthony works for a very high-end gym and yes - he's the marketing guy. He's young and I'm guessing the marketing book he may have used in college - but this time is using it as a reference for ideas. he has to come up with a new marketing campaign and has be re-reading about focusing on your audience for your message.
We chat - and of course I connect Tom and Anthony. Now here's the funny part that shows the generation gap..... last night - Tom handed me his business card as how we'll stay in touch. Today - as Anthony asks for his info he pulls out his phone and types it right in.
Back to Anthony - what a joy! he had come back to Rochester to surprise his mom. Sadly while playing volleyball with his daughter he twisted his ankle last night and it's hurting. He thought using crutches for flying would be a pain - I told him that no you actually get sympathy from folks - not to mention it's near impossible to walk the lengths you have to if every step hurts!
We parted at the taxi stand - but will stay in touch.
I of course message both when I get in the cab to introduce them. Hope they connect.
Fast forward.... next morning - I'm back on a plane - this time flying my favorite Jet Blue to NYC. Beside me - a young man with a marketing book.
"Marketing - love it! - are you in marketing?" as it turns out Anthony works for a very high-end gym and yes - he's the marketing guy. He's young and I'm guessing the marketing book he may have used in college - but this time is using it as a reference for ideas. he has to come up with a new marketing campaign and has be re-reading about focusing on your audience for your message.
We chat - and of course I connect Tom and Anthony. Now here's the funny part that shows the generation gap..... last night - Tom handed me his business card as how we'll stay in touch. Today - as Anthony asks for his info he pulls out his phone and types it right in.
Back to Anthony - what a joy! he had come back to Rochester to surprise his mom. Sadly while playing volleyball with his daughter he twisted his ankle last night and it's hurting. He thought using crutches for flying would be a pain - I told him that no you actually get sympathy from folks - not to mention it's near impossible to walk the lengths you have to if every step hurts!
We parted at the taxi stand - but will stay in touch.
I of course message both when I get in the cab to introduce them. Hope they connect.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
It doesn't get any better than this! Two times in a row!
Okay - this one isn't at 30,000 feet - but there's still the airport connection.
It starts the night before - I land in Columbus from a flight from NYC - call Embassy Suites for their shuttle - "it'll be there in 10 minutes" - and sure enough - 10 minutes later I'm on an Embassy Suites shuttle. There's 3 of us on the shuttle - and the lady beside me from NJ (?) has a sister in Fairport! Small world..... but wait - it gets better.....
As it turns out - I'm at the wrong Embassy Suites oh well - back to the airport to get the other hotel shuttle to "my" hotel.
fast forward 20 hours
"Weather" is happening on the east coast - so my flight through Philly is delayed - so I choose to get rebooked through DC.
Ironically both flights are at the same gate. I'm at the bar across from the gate sitting next to Bill, an investment guy, who is on my original flight heading to Philly. We can't hear much of what is being said in the terminal - so he keeps popping up to check what they're saying. Philly continues to be delayed (and the crew for my DC flight is coming in from there) - oh well - could be a long night. As we chat- I mention I'm from Rochester and the girl who just sat down on my right says - "Rochester" - I turn - and lo-and-behold - it's Mary Beth - the girl from the shuttle the night before!! She's heading home through DC with me!
Sadly on the flight she's 9A and I'm 10 C - so close (maybe I should retitle the book - "the seat ahead of you") While we're de-planing - MaryBeth informs she she is may be trading in her acura (I own one too) for a BMW from the guy beside her. We also chat a bit - ends up she has written a book already - not sure of the title but know it has to do with how to potty train a child with autism - based on her first hand experience with her son.
Of course - any time there's air travel involved - there will be stories of delays, missed flights etc. Once in DC we both head off for our gates. She has no time to spare - and sadly DCA airport is not well organized - gates end at 34 - with no signage of finding 35 or 44. We ask - and are told to take the shuttle at gate 25 to head to terminal C.
As we say goodbye - she promises to call next time she visits her sister.
I do hope Mary Beth made her flight - as she was only going home to be able to spend an hour in the morning with her 9 year old daughter before she heads to school and Mary Beth heads to Atlanta.
It starts the night before - I land in Columbus from a flight from NYC - call Embassy Suites for their shuttle - "it'll be there in 10 minutes" - and sure enough - 10 minutes later I'm on an Embassy Suites shuttle. There's 3 of us on the shuttle - and the lady beside me from NJ (?) has a sister in Fairport! Small world..... but wait - it gets better.....
As it turns out - I'm at the wrong Embassy Suites oh well - back to the airport to get the other hotel shuttle to "my" hotel.
fast forward 20 hours
"Weather" is happening on the east coast - so my flight through Philly is delayed - so I choose to get rebooked through DC.
Ironically both flights are at the same gate. I'm at the bar across from the gate sitting next to Bill, an investment guy, who is on my original flight heading to Philly. We can't hear much of what is being said in the terminal - so he keeps popping up to check what they're saying. Philly continues to be delayed (and the crew for my DC flight is coming in from there) - oh well - could be a long night. As we chat- I mention I'm from Rochester and the girl who just sat down on my right says - "Rochester" - I turn - and lo-and-behold - it's Mary Beth - the girl from the shuttle the night before!! She's heading home through DC with me!
Sadly on the flight she's 9A and I'm 10 C - so close (maybe I should retitle the book - "the seat ahead of you") While we're de-planing - MaryBeth informs she she is may be trading in her acura (I own one too) for a BMW from the guy beside her. We also chat a bit - ends up she has written a book already - not sure of the title but know it has to do with how to potty train a child with autism - based on her first hand experience with her son.
Of course - any time there's air travel involved - there will be stories of delays, missed flights etc. Once in DC we both head off for our gates. She has no time to spare - and sadly DCA airport is not well organized - gates end at 34 - with no signage of finding 35 or 44. We ask - and are told to take the shuttle at gate 25 to head to terminal C.
As we say goodbye - she promises to call next time she visits her sister.
I do hope Mary Beth made her flight - as she was only going home to be able to spend an hour in the morning with her 9 year old daughter before she heads to school and Mary Beth heads to Atlanta.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Reminder of Richmond
Haven't been flying much in the past 6 months - doing much more driving. But this flight to NYC - yes again - Jet Blue - brought me back in time. As we were landing the lady beside me was looking at her connection so I asked - "where are you headed?" Flying into Richmond and then heading to Leesburg (I think) - she travels to Richmond a lot and has to visit the remote corners of the state. We chatted a bit about my 2 years in Richmond and I told her she must make time to enjoy the city - be sure to take a drive down Monument Ave - a beautiful historical drive.
We didn't chat long and we were off the plane before we traded names. Oh well.... have to get back in the swing of concentrating on the conversations to put in my book.
We didn't chat long and we were off the plane before we traded names. Oh well.... have to get back in the swing of concentrating on the conversations to put in my book.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Music to my Ears!
It's been awhile since I've written - could it be due to lack of flying? Much of my travels in the last 6 months have been by car - not plane. But this last flight re-sparked my love for the arts.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 NYC - Rochester - seat 2D
On my flight home form NYC to Rochester I was fortunate to sit next to Jake - an aspiring musician! He was on his way to Rochester to audition at the Eastman School of Music. An avid trumpet player he plans to be a conductor (and I know he'll make it!) Right now he is in the process of applying to schools (ah... I remember it well as my son did it 8 years ago - wow has it been that long?) The Eastman School is one of his top choices along with John Hopkins - another location dear to my heart as it was there that my mom and dad met. Both I think are great choices.
For the interview he has to play for like half and hour - 6 pieces. He made it sound so simple - he obviously was prepared - his self-confidence will take him far. (although I do have to pick on him a bit - middle of winter and he didn't have a winter coat on!)
I wish him much success.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 NYC - Rochester - seat 2D
On my flight home form NYC to Rochester I was fortunate to sit next to Jake - an aspiring musician! He was on his way to Rochester to audition at the Eastman School of Music. An avid trumpet player he plans to be a conductor (and I know he'll make it!) Right now he is in the process of applying to schools (ah... I remember it well as my son did it 8 years ago - wow has it been that long?) The Eastman School is one of his top choices along with John Hopkins - another location dear to my heart as it was there that my mom and dad met. Both I think are great choices.
For the interview he has to play for like half and hour - 6 pieces. He made it sound so simple - he obviously was prepared - his self-confidence will take him far. (although I do have to pick on him a bit - middle of winter and he didn't have a winter coat on!)
I wish him much success.
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